A 32-year-old member asked:
What happens when you hold your poop in a long time? do you get anus or rectal cancer?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. David Steinanswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 26 years experience
You get bloated!: There is no evidence that "holding it in" causes any form of cancer. It can cause diverticulosis and hemorrhoidal symptoms! it is better to go when you have to go!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Kris Gastanswered
Radiation Oncology 33 years experience
VoluntaryConstipatin: Waiting to go when you have to is probably not such a good idea.It can result in large volumes of stool in the rectal area which acts as a holding place for stool.The larger volumes must than be passed which can cause fissures, tears and because you have to strain more hemorrhoids.We know that chronic constipation is an issue with cancer ie people who eat diets high in fiber have a lower risk.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Related questions
A 27-year-old male asked:
If I have HPV in the pubic area and I don't know, can it be transmitted to the penis or anus? How often does this happen? Will I be exposed to cancer? Should I worry? can my wife get it to her anus from vaginal sex in doggy position?
Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
HPV usually does not infect the pubic area. Almost everybody gets genital HPV at least once; if you have had a few partners before your marriage, you ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Feb 04, 2023
A 45-year-old male asked:
If my semen get in my mans anus without contacting one another and both are HPV and HIV clean, is there a chance that he could get anal cancer by the semen ? So if I have anal sex will I have any chances of getting cancer or even anything else ?
Dr. Yvette Kratzberganswered
Pediatrics 26 years experience
Anal Cancer is caused by the HPV virus, and not semen. If you are both HPV and HIV negative, and are monogamous, there is no risk for Anal Cancer. If ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Aug 11, 2021
A 47-year-old member asked:
What age can you get anus cancer?
Dr. David Jinanswered
23 years experience
Thanks for asking!: The average age for people diagnosed with anal cancer is early 60s.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old male asked:
1 month ago I found a lump on my anus and It started to get smaller until it became very small now Is there anything to worry about especially cancer?
Dr. Eric Kaplananswered
Colon and Rectal Surgery 44 years experience
Probably: Just an external hemorrhoid. Not to worry unless recurs or gets bigger
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
I have hemorrhoid for 2 years.Infrequent narrow stools. I feel a bulge on my anus when defecating. Do I have colon/rectal cancer?Im so worried.
Dr. Dan Fisheranswered
Internal Medicine 29 years experience
Doubt cancer: But it is possible. A simple look at your behind by your doc should be reassuring.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Dec 21, 2017
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